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66 Mid County - Gifford The library outlet at the Gifford Youth Activity Center is a very limited service , functioning as a special services branch and serving a targeted population — the children who come to the activity center where it is housed. The service is currently staffed by an employee of the youth center but the library director hopes to provide staff in future . The building is owned by Indian River County and leased to its occupants . Everyone interviewed or who participated in focus group meetings expressed support for library service for the Gifford area. Residents perceive that the economic conditions and lack of transportation prevent use of the Main Library 4 . 8 miles away , especially for children . Route 8 of the Indian River Transit system goes into the Gifford area but does not pass near Main . Other barriers relate to economic conditions , which prevent people from having their own transportation and time to come to the library, and psychological barriers . Gifford is an African American community, some of whose members reportedly do not feel comfortable going to the Main Library, even if they could get there . The general consensus is that Gifford needs local public library service , especially for its youth . Option I — Continue to develop the existing Gifford Library as a special services branch within the existing square footage of the Youth Activities Center building. Issues ■ If this option is selected , the county library system should fully support and manage the service , including establishing a budget for and staffing it . ■ The service roles of the outlet should be clearly established and used to determine the type of services provided . If the option is pursued, this will not be a space that attracts adults so adult service should not be attempted , given the scarcity of space . ■ The Center may have additional space it can allocate to the service to allow an expanded library within its walls . ■ The option does not meet the needs of Gifford residents , as they have been identified by interviews and focus groups . Option 2 — Expand the existing Gifford library service by adding space and increasing visibility at the youth activity center; continue as a special services branch. Issues ■ A Sheriff' s Deputy will be living at the park soon , providing a measure of security for r. expanded library hours . ■ Any expansion should provide a separate library entrance with easy access from the parking lot and exterior identification for the library. ■ Gifford Youth Activity Center staff and supporters are very interested in keeping the service at this location , and expanding as much as the site allows . They believe this is r■ the most appropriate location for a public library in Gifford . Indian River County Library Master Facilities Plan 2005 - 2025 r.